Four Wheel Drive News 1998.

20 November 1998: A Federal Government report on the Great Artesian Basin recommends spending au$200M+ to cap free-flowing wells. The Basin lies beneath SW Queensland, SE Northern Territory, NW South Australia and western New South Wales. Water in it is being used, and also wasted through evaporation and seepage, at a greater rate than it is being replenished. Because the water originates in the hills of Queensland and the Dividing Range, it emerges under pressure at the lower altitudes of central Australia. However this cannot continue forever at the current rate.

18 November 1998: Nissan Australia claims the top-spot amongst vehicle-importers for October, following the same result in September (below). Overall market share was 6.3% for October, with 37,193 units sold during 1998 to the end of that month, up 43% on the same period last year. October sales included 991 Patrols, staying ahead of the 'cruiser, 154 Pathfinders and 2.1K Pulsar sedans [-Nissan].
(The Terrano II is not mentioned.)

18 November 1998: The outback town of Cobram, population 7000+, like many other country towns has difficulty in attracting doctors to work in its hospital. So they have put a price of au$5000 on a doctor's head - any doctor. Specifically, the bounty will be paid to anyone who head-hunts a suitable physician who then lasts at least 6 months on the job [-ABC News].

November 1998: Suzuki Australia (ie. Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory) is cutting au$1000 off the list price of the 1.6L and 2.0L, two door Vitara and throwing in either a $2000 Quadrunner (a 2-stroke, 4-wheel, 4WD "motorbike"), or free air-conditioning. The Vitara offer total $18,990 for the 1.6 and $23,990 for the 2.0.
In  Vic, SA, WA, Tas', and NT, the new Suzuki Jimny is planned to go on sale around 27 November, with air-conditioning, AM/FM stereo & CD player as standard on all JX and JLX models. The JLX gets keyless entry and an engine immobiliser as standard. The JLX power pack includes power steering, electric windows, central locking, roof rails [-Suzuki].

November 1998: Ford Australia is offering 750 "Quest" value packs for the Explorer XL and XLT four wheel drives, claimed to be worth $2K, for no addition to the rrp: alloy bull-bar, driving lights, 6-disc CD stacker player. Ford Explorer rrp's start from (the magic) $39,990 for the XL manual and $46,990 for the XLT automatic [-Ford]

15 November 1998: The FAI 1000 (km) Classic at Bathurst was won by Steven Richards and Jason Bright (Ford Falcon V8), 2nd Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall (Holden Commodore V8), 3rd Jason Bargwanna and Jim Richards (Holden Commodore V8).

15 November 1998: The V8s race at Bathurst. Some might call this the true `great race' or the `1000', but that was in fact run on 4 October for European-style touring cars, and its organisers are jumping up and down to point out the difference.

13 November 1998: Australian Rover dealers have started the run-out sales period on the "old" model Land Rover Discovery, in preparation for the switch to the new 1998/1998 model (already available in the UK) which is visually very similar to its predecessor, but is a little bigger and offers a new five-cylinder 2.5L turbo-diesel in addition to the petrol V8.

November 1998: Audi is expecting sales of 600,000 vehicles in 1998 compared to 546,436 in 1997. Sales for January to September are up 8.4% over the same period last year. The Audi TT coupe went on sale in Germany on 30 October 1998. [-Audi].

11 November 1998: Gareth Bosley writes in with details of his hot (as in fast) TD42 diesel Patrol coil-cab ute.

9 November 1998, over the email, Mark Hansen shares his opinions of the 100-series Toyota LandCruiser:

[...] have written a review of the 100-series Landcruiser on [the web] that may be of interest to your readers. It is written from my perspective as a professional, having been driving 4WD's for over 20 years. [...]
- Mark Hansen, Raefen Pty Ltd., Internet Marketing and Design

4wdonline is always interested in owners' views on 4WDs.

8 November 1998: Classic racing cars at Winton, Victoria, au.

November 1998: There is a rumour that Land Rover UK is re-calling a number of the earlier Freelanders, due to a problem with some welding round the rear suspension. Can anyone "over there" confirm this?

7 November 1998: Most recent update in the 4WD Club database is the Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria getting online.
LROC(Vic) run the annual Field Day - check the 4WD Calendar.

7 November 1998, if you have to take it all with you when getting away from it all, this email may be of interest:

Honda has set the standard with the release the first micro-computer controlled portable 240 volt portable generator, the Honda EU10i. It comes in at half the size and half the weight of conventional camping generators. It produces stable sine wave electricty superior to standard mains power 240 volt 50Hz, which allows it to power even the most sensitive of computer equipment in field use - web
- [email] - John Graham, Manager, Graham's Building Equipment Pty Ltd. [11/1998]

7 November 1998: The New Scientist magazine reports that Symmetricon of California has a sytem where a cellular telephone can pin-point its location, effectively giving it the capabilities of a GPS receiver but more cheaply. A transmitter's timing is linked to GPS signals (in some way) and it emits an identifying "stamp". A handset can locate itself by comparing the timing of signals from three different transmitters. Apparently a central computer does the calculations and transmits the answer to the handset (for a fee?). Obviously the system relies upon good cell-phone coverage. Trials are under way in Britain, but it would not be much use in the Australian outback, at least not yet.

6 November 1998: Two recent court decisions in Victoria have cast doubts over thousands of drink-driving cases. After failing a breath-test drivers may be required to remain at the "station" for up to three hours. Some drivers were not informed of this fact and the police lost the case. It doesn't change the fact that drinking and driving is very silly. There will probably be an appeal.

November 1998: Many 4WD tracks in the Victorian Alps remain closed due to a combination of last summer's bush-fires, the condition of tracks after bull-dozers and fire-tenders did their thing, and heavy rain over winter. Some tracks may not be opened until as late as March 1999. Check with the local rangers before heading off!

31 October 1998: As Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher wait for the Japanese F1 Grand-Prix, the show-down at the end of the 1998 season, you might wonder why their cars are a curious mixture of the high-tech' and the low tech' - a plank of wood strapped on the bottom, no traction control or ABS brakes. They are also 4x2, but back in 1969 it looked as though things could be very different [more...]
(1 Nov 1998: Hakkinen won the race and the championship. Schumacher suffered a tyre blow-out and retired while in 4th(?) place. McLaren won the constructors' championship.)

30 October - 1 November 1998: 4 Wheel Drive Recreation Show '98 RNA Exhibition Grounds, Brisbane Qld, this weekend. (also Brisbane Fishing and Tackle Show '98) - I.B.Exhibitions, tel:03-9499-6299 or 07-3274-5158

29 October 1998: Daewoo (Australia) has put the Korando 4WD back on sale - it was the Ssangyong Korando but Daewoo took control of Ssangyong and now the 4WD is a Daewoo, like the Musso. The new Korando has the 3.2 litre six (161kW at 5750rpm, 310Nm at 4000rpm), as in the Musso. A Borg Warner Torque on Demand 4WD system feeds drive to the rear wheels, unless there is slip in which case an electro-magnetic clutch also brings front drive into play. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearboxes are offered. Prices: from au$39,500 (5m), au$42,500 (4a).

27 October 1998: Toyota Prado has won the RACV Best Buy Award, large 4WD category, from GM Holden Jackaroo. Honda Odyssey won the people mover category from Chrysler Voyager. Subaru Impreza won the sports car category.
And RACV has produced a second edition of their Experience Victoria guide on travel and holiday escapes - $6 to RACV members and $12 to non-members from RACV shops and some other outlets.

October 1998: The Variety Club of Victoria has given away $633,354.39 between 1 October 1997 and 30 September 1998. The money is raised by charity events, including 4x2 and 4x4 "bashes" (check 4WD Calendar) and goes to special needs and disadvantaged children.

October 1998: Stewart and Stevenson announced their being awarded a contract to supply 2.5 and 5 ton, 4x4 and 6x6, trucks for the US Army on 16 October 1998. Approximately 9000 trucks and 1500 trailers will be delivered over four to five years. New and existing [FMTV] trucks "will have a new flywheel housing and drive shaft to improve reliability". Engine and transmission controls will be improved and ABS brakes fitted.

October 1998: The Safety Information section of the Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand is planning a consumer information publication about the on-road safety of 4WD vehicles and would appreciate any comments and advice from readers regarding 4WD vehicle on-road safety and on-road safe driving tips, email:Bryan McDaniel, Safety Information, Land Transport Safety Authority (NZ).
[See also 4WD Safety.]

25 October 1998: London - Cape Town reliability trial and 4x4 adventure due to get under way.

25 October 1998: Only two shopping months to Christmas. Corkwood Press has special (limited) editions of Too Long in the Bush by the late Len Beadell, and Diary of W. H. Tietkes 1879-80 the record of an expedition into the Maralinga Tjarutja lands of SA.

24 October 1998: New Subaru Liberty and Outback AWDs go on sale (au). They have new bodies, rear suspension and 2 and 2.5 litre flat-4 engines. Prices are from $31,990 for the Liberty and $37,490 for the Outback ($au).

24-25 October 1998: Over 600 people in 260 vehicles attended the annual Boho Bounce organised by the Goulburn Valley 4WD Club in the Strathbogies, Victoria. Events included a Motorkhana, Tug of War, Boghole, and trips of various difficulties into the surrounding countryside (see [clubs]).

24 October 1998: Victorian Police now have more exotic drives than the usual Commodore or Falcon and are using the likes of Subaru Impreza WRXs to patrol roads and catch speeding drivers. They'll probably be working overtime on Cup Weekend.

24 - 25 October 1998: Boho Bounce - Goulburn Valley 4WD Club annual "do" - Bonnie Doon Rd., Victoria (au).

23 - 25 October 1998: 4WD & Outdoor Show, SW Parklands, Adelaide, South Australia - Osmark.

22 October 1998, USA Southern Mud Racers email:

Well here it is again, the last Mud Race of the year. We have awards to give out. We are looking for someone to establish a new track record. This year has been a little slow. We are working on the Southern Mud Racing Association (SMRA) any one interested in the Rules should be at our last race, the rules should be done. Next year looks promising for better pay outs. - Andy

21 October 1998: Hyundai of Korea has won the bidding for "financially troubled" Kia. (What did Hyundai Automotive chief executive, C.K.Liew, know at the Melbourne Motor Show?) Kia creditors, and the Korean Government, will decide by 15 November whether to accept Hyundai's take-over, the details still to be worked out.

20 October 1998, from the email:

Tom Niksch writes in with news of VW - Porsche collaboration on a future 4x4 SUV, seen as a competitor to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercedes (- Chrysler) M-class, and Range Rover. VW are considering engines from 2.8 litre V6 (204hp) to 5.6 litre W12 (see [e.g.]), and Porsche a V8. Production of the vehicle(s) is likely to be in Portugal.

With all this talk of W12s, and with Porsche involved, this is going to be an expensive SUV. The less well heeled may wonder where it will leave Transporter Syncro enthusiasts.

October 1998: Nissan Australia claims strong sales for the GU Patrol 4x4 released last December: 1119 retail sales for September, apparently beating Toyota's 100-series LandCruiser, and a total of 8781 sales for the year to 30/9. If big is good, there is no doubt that the Patrol gives you a lot of 4x4 for your money, the DX level Patrol starting at $39,950 with the 2.8 litre 6-cyl turbo-diesel and at $44,990 with the 4.2 diesel. Nissan also claims 2114 September sales for the Pulsar (small 4x2) and an overall 4100 sales (6.24%) of the automotive market. An interesting special offer on new Pulsars sold before 31/12/98 is 12 months of free comprehensive insurance for "eligible drivers".

October 1998: Toyota Australia has introduced a limited edition Prado RV6, the Getaway. They claim that it includes $3K+ extras for only $1K on the prices ($au). This is good value provided that you actually want the extras. Features include: cruise control, leather steering wheel, floor mats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows. The limited edition adds: alloy wheels, spare wheel cover, headlamp covers, rear dust deflector, decals, chrome grille. Rrp's are $40,990 (5-manual) and $43,390 (4-auto) + orc.

October 1998: They are 4x2, but Ford has limited edition Tradesman Falcon ute and van with extras said to be worth (au)$3K+ at no increase over rrp: factory air-conditioning, vinyl liner, spoke-style 15" steel wheels, 205x75 8-ply Firestone tyres. Rrp for the ute is $23,590 and the van $26,290.

15 October 1998: National 4x4 Show opens in Melbourne today, and Sydney Motor Show tomorrow.

12 October 1998: Kia report that the Sportage 4WD can now be had from $21,990 with $1000 cash-back ($au), prices effectively falling by $3K; automatic transmission adds $1K.

October 1998, from the snail mail:

Global Gypsies Pty Ltd of W.A. write in about their fully-catered and self-catering safaris across Africa and also across Australia. 1999: 11 African trips (~ $9.4K to $9.8K*) and 11 Australian trips (~ $7.4K to $8.6K*) are scheduled. Australian trips alternate: Perth to Sydney then Sydney to Perth. Global Gypsies: tel:+61-8-9341-6727.

(*) Includes vehicle hire, equipment, park fees, guide, for two; excludes air-fares. Full catering, when available, is $50 / person /day.

10 October 1998: a 1995 model Audi A4, typical of second-hand cars now available for sale under the Audi Silver Circle program. Audi say that the cars are evaluated by their technicians and must pass a stringent 25 point checklist.

4 October: Bathurst 1000km race won by Volvo, Nissan 2nd, Audi (4x4) 3rd.
Mick Doohan [who walks on water] wins the Australian 500cc F1 Motorcycle Grand Prix (2x1) at Philip Island, and with it his 5th consecutive world championship.

28 September 1998: The Australian National 4WD Radio Network has initiated an extra daily voice schedule from Alice Springs base on 8022kHz from 1700 to 1730 CST to cope with increased traffic due to a rise in membership and usage; more [details].

September 1998: Manufacturer's have realised that there's gold in them thar after market accessories and are flogging their own. This is Toyota's bull bar for the 1998 Hilux. Toyota also have a matching rear step towbar with an 1800kg capacity (state regulations permitting).

September 1998: Chrysler Jeep are to create their own chain of distributors in Australia. Vehicles had been imported and distributed by Astre who (still) distribute Audi and Hyundai. The strong American dollar has been hurting imports from across the Pacific but Chrysler (now Daimler - Chrysler) must reckon that they can tough it out.

September 1998: General Motors are to take a 10% share in Suzuki from whom they rebadge the Tracker light 4x4.

25 September 1998: Heavy rain brought flooding to rivers such as the King and Ovens in N.E. Victoria (Au).

24 September 1998: New Foers Ibex II' with 2.9L V6 24v Cosworth oomph and Ford running gear comes out.

24 September 1998: Results of the East Helsinki Offroad Trial and 1998 season Cup Results. Also provisional calendar for 1999.

22 September 1998, from the email:
Kala Marketing of Queensland are importing and modifying (for compliance) four wheel drive Toyota Dyna trucks.

18-20 September 1998: Harjun Huumaa 4x4 Safari Virolahti, Ravijoki, Finland.

15 September 1998: Audi TT Coupe will be at the Sydney Motor Show (16-25/10/98) and on sale (au) in 1999.
See also the 1999 Subaru Forester GT (turbo) and Impreza.

11-13 September 1998: Ford Truck Fest' series (USA) goes to the Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend.

10 September 1998: Results of the 4x4 Offroad Forest Trial held on 29/8/98.

10 September 1998: The New York Times ran a story about the Eurasia Motor Corp' / Gazelle 4WD affair. The story stated that several car dealers were trying to recover substantial deposits that had been paid for Gazelle dealerships and implied that any such four wheel drive was very unlikely to materialise from Eurasia Motor Corp'.
On the other hand, 4wdonline believes that John Foers, of Ibex 4WD fame, in cooperation with Cosworth, is well advanced on development of a sporty 4WD (that has no connection with Eurasia).

5 September 1998: The new Land Rover Discovery (code name Tempest) was launched. As had been gradually leaked, the new Disco' has the 4.0 (or is it 3.9) litre V8 petrol engine or a new 5-cylinder Td5 turbo-diesel. It is a little longer and wider than the old car. The optional third row of seats now face forwards. Range Rover like systems include self-levelling air-bag suspension and traction control (said) to remove the need for diff' lock(s).

5 September 1998: The 1998 European Truck Trials champions are class S1: Ronald and Rita Bormann (Unimog 406), class S2: Pavel Cacak and Pavel Bernasek (Praga UV 80), class S3: Frank Langenberg and Michael Flamm (Gama Goat), Class S4: Jochen Bertele and Marc Hermann (Iveco 380E37), Class S5: Wim Kampschreur and Henk Aalders (Tatra 813), Class P1: Andreas and Jurgen Hellgeth (Werner UK52), Class P2: Josef Auinger and Fritz Holub (Ural 4320) - [web].

4 September 1998, returned from Cape York (au):

Just back from Cape York and we had a great time. 9,500km round trip. Made it through the Gunshot Creek and all the way up the original telegraph track to the old Jardine crossing. Seisia, Thursday Island, the "Tip", Lakefield National Park, Cooktown, crocodiles on the Daintree River,the legendary CREB Track, Roaring Meg Falls, and all the great places in between - what can I say. I am so glad we went to see this terrific part of our country. It took us 28 days and we were travelling every day. (Go the "Super Troopie") no mechanical problems. The [replacement] seats we got were terrific and I did not suffer once. Well worth every penny. If anyone was thinking of going to Cape York then August is definitely the time to go. Not one day of rain while we were away, and 25-30 degree every day. The same could not be said about here at home. I think they only had two fine days in 28. Fuel stops were fairly regular until you get to Archer River Roadhouse but then its only 431km to Seisia. Distillate (diesel) was about 95c/litre at Siesia, $1.00 at Lockhart River. It started at 55c/litre in Brisbane and gradually got dearer as we went up the track. But when you have to have it, you have to pay the going rate.
- Angela M Clark

4 September 1998: Big Lizzie Festival of Vintage Tractors (& L-R 50th) on this weekend at Red Cliffs on the Murray River.

September 1998: Mercedes Benz Australia releases the M-class 4x4 this month.
Also, shareholders of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler are to vote formally on the proposed merger of their companies.

September 1998 issue of RoyalAuto reports that country fuel prices have fallen by between 1c and 3c per litre since deregulation of wholesale prices on 1 August, e.g. Albury-Wodonga was 79c/L now 76.9c/L (Caltex).

1 September 1998: Bids close and a winner should be known to buy Korean car and 4WD maker Kia. Ford, Hyundai and Daewoo (already owning Ssangyong) are interested.

29 August 1998: AN4WDRN radio network VKS737 moves to a new [URL], and there is news of VKS737 interstate radio Jamborees.

28 August 1998: The Australian dollar has been trading at between 55c(us) and 56c(us) as Russia's economic woes bring fears of a slump in commodity prices, and of the possibility of a global recession. This has brought particular problems for Jeep dealers in Australia. The pound is still strong too. We could be seeing fewer Jeeps and Land Rovers but a lot more Kias and Daewoo Mussos on the roads.

25 August 1998, from the email:

German magazine Auto Zeitung this week published information and artist's impressions of the VW Transporter for 2001. As rumours have said for a year, VW intends to launch a new Transporter with commercial and recreational versions in 2001. It will be front engined and rear- (!?) or optional four-wheel- driven. There are also plans for a pick-up version just as the classic Bus, Multivan, Panels, and Crew Cab shapes. The leisure versions and pick-ups in particular will be for the US market. The platform is said to be used also for the VW Porsche cooperation project off-road vehicle. Engines will be from straight four up to V6 and V8 Diesel and Gasoline.
- Thomas Niksch

22 August 1998: Ford Australia are to offer a heavy duty suspension kit (i.e. h.d. shock absorbers) for the Explorer 4WD to counter criticism that the standard setup is too soft for Australian conditions. It will be standard on the 1999 XL.

22 August 1998: From time to time you'll see announcements in the Events page of the "Bashes" put on by the Variety Club. These are charity runs, some for 4x2's some for 4x4's. They really do good work. For example the Variety Club (Vic) [tel:9420-3208], the Pratt Foundation and Boroonda Council have together committed $270,000 to a playground for children of all abilities in East Kew. The official opening is Sunday 11 October 1998.

19 August 1998: Subaru Australia has now moved to an All All Wheel Drive (AAWD?) range, dropping its last 4x2 in this market. Entry model is now the 2-litre Impreza LX.

18 August 1998: The Wollongong area of NSW received 200mm+ (8"+) of rain (!) yesterday and overnight leading to floods and mud-slides; an amphibian would have been useful. CSIRO scientists claim that statistics show that there have been an increasing number of periods of heavy rain over the century (in between droughts), possibly a sign of global warming [- ABC TV]. It is a timely reminder not to camp in or near river beds in the high country and outback, or you could be caught in a flash-flood.

15 August 1998: Serena Offroad Trial results.
See some of the extraordinary machinery (left) that takes part.

15 August 1998: Rumour is that a Victorian Land Rover dealer wasted Ma... M... ? --> a Freelander on the beach at Foster while making a commercial and that H₂O and sand have claimed it for their own.
In any case, the 3-door Freelander softback is on sale for $27,950 in basic `i' trim ($au) and $31,950 in XEi trim, and the 3-door hardtop XEi for $33,450. The 3-door has a 1.8L 4-cylinder petrol engine; see the V6 plans for the USA ... emissions? (28 July below).

14-16 August 1998: ATECO Warn Challenge this weekend organised by the Yarra Valley 4WD Club.

August 1998: The Australian National 4x4 Show is coming to the Sydney Showground and Exhibition Complex, at Homebush Bay, 17-20 June 1999. (The 1998 show is in Melbourne in October 15...)

August 1998: Results of the Blue Road Trial (8/8/98, fi).

August 1999: Kia launched the 2-door convertible Sportage 4x4 in the USA recently. Kia claim that they "will pass Hyundai by the end of the year" hoping to sell 80,000 cars and 4WDs in the USA in 1998 (55,325 in 1997). They expect the convertible Sportage to account for 5,000 new sales. Meanwhile, Kia sales are reported to be sluggish in Australia, despite generally good market conditions. One or two people would like a 2-door Sportage in oz, convertible or not. (Ford now hold a significant stake in Kia.)

August 1998: Subaru Australia is selling a special edition all-wheel-drive (AWD) Liberty sedan with various goodies: Bilstein suspension package, 16" alloy wheels, low profile tyres, leather interior, and available in mica blue, white or light silver. Special editions can be good value if you like the extras as they would cost more to add as a one-off to your requirements: Subaru claim that for $2,000 on the rrp you get $5000 ($au) worth of extras. Already standard are ABS brakes, dual air-bags, CD player, remote locking and climate-control air conditioning. The manual limited edition rrp is $38,990, and the automatic $40,890 ($au).

August 1998 from the mailbag:

Repsol is a range of lubricants that will be familiar to motorcycle enthusiasts as the major sponsor of Mick Doohan's Honda HRC 500cc F1 motorcycle team. Sydney based The Automotive Group (TAG) are now Australian importers for Repsol lubricants and are keen to sell them to owners of two or four wheels. It seems that TAG sponsor Dale Brede in the Formula Holden open-wheeler series and Peter Edward's RS Cosworth Escort replica of the Repsol world rally car. TAG are using a Repsol-decorated Holden Suburban as a support vehicle for the coming Playstation Round Australia Rally.

10 August 1998: Because free wheel hubs for International 4WD bonneted 1410 series and 1500 series, as well as ACCO 410A and 510A seem unprocurable, we are about to machine some of these and wish to know if there are others who may want some built as well while we have the engineer at work. Already some 6 people have asked for hubs for the 410As.
If people have an interest in this, contact can be through [email] or by writing to me at 42 Fernhill Rd Mt Evelyn 3796 Australia
- Lloyd Junor

6 August 1998: NSW's flooding is expected to affect Dubbo today.

30 July 1998: Record snow falls in S.E. Australia brought icy road conditions parts of Victoria but promise good skiing in weeks to come. [wheel-chains]

29 July 1998: Toyota achieved record sales figures of 20,722 cars and commercial vehicles, for June 1998.
Toyota also have these local 16x8 alloy wheel available for the LandCruiser 100-series.

July 1998: Melbourne based company Key to Adventure is running 4WD training courses particularly for women (among other groups).

Key to Adventure, tel:9558-9001

28 July, from the US email:

In the past week, both Isuzu Motors, America and Land Rover of America have announced two new SUVs. First off, is Isuzu, with the VEHICross. Isuzu has said it will import the VEHICross as an "image vehicle", like the VW new Beetle and Plymouth Prowler. They plan on importing 2,400 in 1999, and they plan on selling the car for quite a while at around 2,500-3,000 units a year after 1999. The vehicle will be quite different than it's Japanese counterpart, other than the obvious switch to left-hand drive, it wil have a much softer suspension (as the Japanese one is considerred to harsh for our roads), and standard leather trim. The vehicle will be priced around US$23,000 when it arrives in Febuary, and will features a new, unknown name.
Land Rover have finally said the Freelander will come to the US after all, however, in an exclusive combination. The combo will be 5dr/V6/4WD/5-Speed auto'. That is the only way America will be able to purchase a Freelander, but a 3dr might be brought in to compete against the ever so popular Isuzu Amigo (Holden Frontera Sport), however, one thing America will never see is a 2wd model, as LRNA is very strict on importing 2wd. [Ed: 2wd? what 2wd?] US features, that will be exclusive to America, include a V6 engine, and full leather trim. After being introduced in America, both these features, and others, will be introduced throughout Europe, the UK and other export markets. Finally, Kia has introduced the Sportage 2dr Convertible, now on sale, and a US-market exclusive, not avilable outside the US (though a 2dr hardtop is in Korea).
-John Herzberg

26 June - 2 August 1998: Wayne County Fair, Belleville, Michigan USA, programme includes man and machine events.

25 July 1998: Invitation to a Scandinavian Offroad Safari in September '98.

23 July 1998: The NSW government has declared the flooding in areas of central and north-west New South Wales a ``natural disaster'' - and relief funds will now follow. Tamworth and other areas of the state have been badly affected.
24/7/98: The flood peak is moving downstream to Narrabri and beyond. The Namoi river is reported to have flooded out to 30km (!) wide in places.

17-19 July 1998, all the Brit' Land Rover Owners gather at Billing.

17-19 July 1998, Brisbane 4WD and Outdoor Show: sites are all booked and going to be great. The show includes the end of the TJM Across Australia Record Challenge led by Ron Moon (4X4 Australia Magazine), departure Steep Point WA July 1, and arrival at the show opening July 17th, after going straight through the centre of Australia. Also, first showing of new Ford Expedition, a new $360,000 motorhome and the awesome Wrangler Rebel, a sports concept 4WD Jeep.
- Chris Osborne

July 1998: Although Volkswagen bought Rolls Royce cars from Vickers, it seems that Rolls Royce aero engines holds the rights to the name, and to the RR logo and the Spirit of Ecstasy figure that adorn the bonnets of Rollers. BMW got some revenge, and possibly the better deal, by buying the rights to use these symbols from the year 2003 onwards.
Meanwhile, the engine R&D company Cosworth was sold to Ford. (Cosworth developed the famous Ford-Cosworth 3-litre Formula-One engine and has also hotted-up many a Ford car engine.) This is good news for the Gazelle 4WD project because that will use a Ford-Cosworth V6 engine and Ford Explorer four wheel drive transmission.

27-28 June 1998: Raiso Finland MudRace and Offroad Trial this weekend [results]

June 1998: Rover Australia report sales of 950 units in May 1998, a record for the company, helped along by the base Range Rover 4.0 and the new Freelander..

June 1998: Chrysler Jeep announced a tax-exempt Jeep Wrangler, available to eligible buyers, i.e. primary producers, from May '98. By deleting the rear seats and making the Wrangler a 2-seater, tax can be avoided. (There's sure to be a roaring trade in after-market rear seats.) Not expecting to sell a whole lot, the variant is available by special order from all Jeep dealers.

19 June 1998: au snow-reports are for good skiing at Hotham Heights, and "sight-seeing" to "beginners" at other resorts.
Nights around the state have been below zero so..... anti-freeze in cooling system and beware ice on roads.

12 June 1998 from the email, state-side:

Mercedes-Benz announced today that from now on, every single Mercedes E320 sedan and estate sold in the US with 4WD, will feature the ``4Matic'' badge. Until now, the only proof that your E320 had 4WD was the window sticker. Mercedes said that numerous 4Matic buyers (btw the 4Matic has been a runaway success, accounting for about 30% of estate [station-wagon] sales, and a fair amout of sedan sales) were complaining that they needed ``clearly visible proof of four-wheel-drive capability''. The option cost US$2,750, and current 4Matic buyers can take he car to the dealer and have the badge placed for no charge. Also on the subject of AWD, the Chrysler Corpoartion (soon to be Daimler-Chrysler) has said that AWD sales on their Town&Country and Caravan (Voyager) MPV's have been soaring, having almost doubled. - John Herzberg -->

10 June 1998: the plunge of the Australian dollar below 59c(US) means that, in the long run, the prices of imported cars are likely to rise, and what 4WD is not imported? Even the local Oka uses imported engines and drive-train. Japanese vehicles may be less affected because the Yen is also feeling depressed.

7 June 1998: Ski resorts in the Australian Alps report rain (Mt. Buller) or snow (!) with Falls Creek and Mt. Hotham recording about 20cm of snow. Time to check up on Wheel-Chains.

7 June 1998 (to 27 June): 1998 Circle Australia Kidney Rally from Adelaide to Adelaide via all states and territories (12,000km). Any age or type of 2WD or 4WD road registered vehicle could enter. A previous event was held in 1996. The event is a fund raiser for the Australian Kidney Foundations and entrants raise funds through sponsorship etc. for this charity. Contact tel:1800-350-450, fundraising tel:088-267-4555.

6 June 1998: Nokia Trial Offroad Trial Finland on this weekend, [results], renamed Tropic Safari '98 and moved to Ikalinen.

6-7 June 1998: Queen's birthday weekend, Land Rover Owners club of Brisbane held a Queensland Land Rover 50th Anniversary gathering at Manor Park, NW of Brisbane, Qld. See other LR50 events.

6 June 1998: The Variety Club of Victoria Vicbash charity event for eccentrics in 4x2's started on 26 May in Melbourne and finished today in Broome WA. The event has raised approximately $415,000. They are aiming at $0.5M in 1999 and that event will also be in late May / early June but finishing in the Whitsundays, Qld. (tel:9420-3299)

4 June 1998: Volkswagen is to buy Cosworth known as the performance engine specialists (e.g. in F1) for £120M from Vickers: Cosworth "goes with" Rolls Royce which VW bid for. BMW supplies engines for Rolls Royce, which it will presumably cut-off, and perhaps Cosworth could take this role on which might put a whole new "zip" into Rollers! On a smaller scale, Cosworth is involved in the Foers Gazelle/Ibex four-wheel-drive project, which should not be a "worry" to the VW 4x4 range, where it might have offended BMW / LandRover.

June 1998: NCAP safety tests released earlier in '98 claim that four wheel drives perform only `marginally' well, at best, in frontal and `offset' crash-tests.

May 1998: Kia is offering special deals on the small forward-control 4WD truck, the Kia Ceres, as low as $12K (au) for the cab-chassis 4x2 Ceres in some areas. The Ceres is available as a 4x2 or 4x4 and is powered by a Mazda-designed 2.4L diesel engine. It comes with a two-year / 50,000km warranty.

28 May 1998: end of tax year approacheth again and around town ... Daihatsu Terios from $18,990 drive away (includes dual airbags), Honda CRV from $29,950 +orc (Honda sold 721 in April, that's more than Toyota RAV4 or Subaru Forester), Jeep Cherokee from $39,900 drive away including air-con' air-bags and Wrangler from $29,900 drive away, Kia Sportage $23,990 +$1K orc (this is to battle the new Vitara and also see Ceres above), Nissan Patrol DX 2.8 turbo-diesel from $39,950+orc (free air con') and ST 4.5L petrol from $46,990+orc, Pathfinder RX from $39,990 drive away, Terrano RX turbo diesel from $36,490 drive away and Navara 4x4 DX dual cab from $26,590 (tax exempt), Range Rover 4-litre from $77,950+orc, Subaru Outback from $34,990+orc, Suzuki 1998 Vitara from $27,950 (2L 4-cyl) and $29,950 (2.5L V6), Toyota Prado from $35,990+orc, RAV4 Cabrio from $24,990 drive away (all $Aus).

May 1998: Chrysler Jeep (Au) have introduced a guaranteed buy-back scheme and lengthened their warranty to 3 years / 60,000km. The warranty includes Jeep Assist 24-hour roadside assistance. (No more Breakdowns here!) This is part of the struggle in the ever more competitive 4WD market, now reckoned to contain 30 models. The buy-back plan is negotiated with Jeep dealers along with finance, residual value, repayments and distance likely to be travelled each year. At the end of the finance period (usually 24 or 36 months) the customer can  . pay the residual and keep the car,  . refinance,  . trade-in on a new model and receive the guaranteed buy-back value on the old Jeep,  . sell the vehicle privately,  . hand the vehicle back and owe nothing. - Jeep.

28 May 1998, email from the USA:

Am General- The Hummer SUV is unchanged. Audi have a New A4 Avant 2.8 and A6, and A6 Avant arives here in mid-98. Chrysler, the Dodge division adds three new 4WD's, the Durango SUV (with up to 250HP), the Dakota R/T (with 250HP) and the Ram Quad Cab (with up to 300HP V10!); the Jeep divison adds a new Grand Cherokee model, the 245HP 5.9 V8 Limited while their duo of 4WD Mini-Vans, the Town & Country AWD and Grand Caravan AWD (Voyager) are mostly untouched. Ford- The (Mercury) Mountaineer SUV is facelifted, the Explorer is slightly revised in 3dr and 5dr form; there's a new SUV called Navigator (Lincoln), and a new Ranger truck. Their other 4WDs are the F-Series and Expedition. GM- The Bravada, Blazer, and Jimmy (now called Envoy) SUV's, S-Series and Sonoma pick-ups are facelifted. There is a new SUV called Denali. While the other 4WD's are the Astro, Safari(Mini-Vans), Sierra, C/K(Pick-up), Tracker, Subarban, GMC Suburban, Tahoe and Yukon (SUV's). Honda/ Acura - CRV and SLX (Jackaroo) are mainly the same, the US-built(by Isuzu) Passport is redesigned. Isuzu - a new US-built Rodeo, which I've already seen, and a two-door Rodeo, called Amigo comes spring, also the Trooper and US-built Hombre. Lamborgini- nothing really new. Land Rover- the Discovery, Range Rover and Defender (due to be dropped in the USA soon). Mercedes-Benz- the G-Class is unchanged, the new M-Class and E-Class 4Matic. Mitsubishi- Montero is facelifted, Montero Sport is their other SUV. Nissan/ Infiniti- a new Pick-up: Frontier, also the Infiniti QX4 and Pathfinder. They plan a US-built mini-SUV for 1999 Porsche- The 911 is redesigned [sigh]. Subaru- the new Forester, Imperza 2.5GT and the US-built Outback SUV get's dual sunroofs. Subaru also has the SUS coming. There is an Impreza coupe (I think the coupe is a US-only), sedan and wagon and US-built Legacy 4dr/wagon. Suzuki- a new Sidekick coming for 1999, and the Esteem Wagon will soon add a 4WD version (probably for 1999), also the X-90. Toyota/ Lexus-Toyota's Land Cruiser is redesigned, in 1998 but as a 1999. The US-built Tacoma and the T100 (Pick-ups) and 4Runner SUV, are unchanged pretty much, while the RAV4 is facelifted, and a convertible is supposedly joining the lineup. At Lexus the LX450 4x4 is redone and renamed LX470, there is also a smaller RX300 coming in March. Volkswagen- Passat 4WD arrived in Febuary. Volvo- a full range of V70 AWD's will be available by fall.
- CarorVan

24 May 1998: Heavy snowfalls were reported [ABC TV] in the Victorian Alps around Falls Creek; fingers crossed for a good season.

21 May 1998: The RACV's annual examination of car ownership costs reveals that for an average motorist, driving 15,000km (10,000 miles) per year over 5 years, a 4x4 Toyota LandCruiser GXL auto' costs $224/week or 78c/km, a Mitsubishi Pajero GXL auto costs $177/week or 61c/km, compared with $151 to $158/week or 52c to 55c/km for the 4x2 Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Mitsubishi Magna V6 and Toyota Camry V6 sedans. As usual, standing costs (depreciation, interest, registration, insurance) outstrip running costs (fuel, tyres, servicing and repairs) by 2:1 to 3:1.

May 1998, South Australia: Penalties for ignoring road-closed signs and using dirt-roads that are closed due to bad weather have been sharply increased to between $1250 and $2500 or even more.

16 May 1998: Magic of Talma, Finland, off-road trial results.

15 May 1998: Blinman '98 is on this weekend.

14 May 1998: A full [report] on the Pajero Challenge.

8 May 1998: The 4WD Internet Magazine won the "overall" category of the 1998 Vicnet "tilde" internet awards. Thanks to all those readers who voted for us! The Sofcom TV-guide also won the "business" category. Matilda ... 'tilda ... tilde ... ~ ... 'gerrit?